Governors of Bauchi and Gombe on Tuesday pledged to work together to sustain the Kolmani River Oil Wells project.

The Kolmari Integrated Development Project of Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs) 809 and 810 at the Kolmani field is sited in Bauchi and Gombe States.

President Muhammadu Buhari performed the ground-breaking ceremony along with some top government officials including governors, ministers, captains of industry, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) officials among others in attendance.

The NNPC Limited, in October 2019, announced the discovery of crude oil, gas, and condensate in the Kolmani River.

The commercial quantity discovery was the first in the region after several crude oil explorations on the Upper Benue Trough.

The oilfield will be developed by Sterling Global Oil, New Nigeria Development Commission (NNDC), and the NNPC Ltd.

In his remarks, Gov. Bala Mohammed said in spite of the Kolmani River being the territorial demarcation of the borderline between the Alkaleri Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi and Akko LGA of Gombe, there was no conflict between them.

“The two states remain the same. Gombe was carved out of Bauchi. We are brothers and sisters in pain and prosperity.

“The discovery of oil in any of our communities will be for the benefit of us all. We are already investing in these areas to create a sense of belonging, and government presence, and reduce poverty and unemployment.

“We will continue to support the efforts and policies of the Federal Government to protect lives and property, and promote economic prosperity,” he said.

He thanked President Buhari for graciously approving the award of the contract for the construction of the road leading to the project site.

Mohammed while stating that the contract was awarded some years back, but work was yet to commence on it appealed to the President to kindly direct the commencement and completion of work on the dilapidated road without further delay.

When completed, he said, the road would assist in providing easy access for the investors, security, workers, and the community.

He assured investors that investments would be safe and would yield positive returns and enlightened people on the importance of this project.

“We look forward to your active involvement in the state through Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) that directly touch the lives of your host communities and the people of Bauchi State at large,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, expressed the commitment of the local communities and traditional institutes in the state including security agencies to the successful implementation of the milestone.

Yahaya promised to promote a friendly business environment for investors.

Also speaking, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and Chairman, of Northern Governors Forum, expressed delight in the project adding that it would significantly impact positive y on the citizens.

Lalong underscored the need for strategic partnership and financing capacity to sustain the project which would boost the business community.

“Our excitement is that more discoveries will be made for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the region,” he said.

He urged stakeholders and producing companies to take the development of manpower and concern for environmental protection into consideration while undergoing oil activities.

“We should be proactive to mitigate any negative impact using the lessons learned in the Niger Delta Region,” he added.

He advocated for the collaboration of the federal government and its relevant agencies in the training and capacity building for local manpower that will participate in the new venture.